Think first: Before you get a pet, think carefully about the reason you want an animal. Pet ownership is great fun but a huge responsibility.

Pet ownership takes time, money, commitment, and patience and it will change your life.

Owning a dog or a cat costs more than just the pet registration fee. Pet food, bedding, toys, equipment, housing, veterinary bills are expensive.

Do you have the time for pets? Dogs need regular walks and a lot of attention. Cats are more independent. However, long-haired cats need combing every day.

Educate yourself and your kids through reading books about pet care before adopting a pet. Their hair can get everywhere. Sometimes, they will still chew furniture even if they have toys and scratching posts.

Ask yourself and your children why they want a pet. Don't forget pets can be with you for 10 to 15 years.

Make sure your family is ready for a pet as well as the changes an animal will bring into your home.

Make sure your pet has a stable and safe environment and adequate space.

Make sure no one in your family has animal allergies.

Keep an eye on young children in your family. They may unwittingly mishandle or hurt a pet, such as pulling it, dropping it, or picking it up inappropriately.

Make sure neighbors in the same apartment will not be against your owning a pet.

The owner of an animal should be over the age of 15. The statutory agent or statutory guardian shall be considered as the owner for one who raises an animal under the age of 15.

The owner should provide adequate food and water and sufficient activity space for the animal. He should also pay attention to the safe living environment, shelter, ventilation, lighting, temperature, cleaning and other appropriate care to prevent the animal from unnecessary harassment, mistreatment or hurt.

No one should be allowed to harass, mistreat or hurt an animal.

The owner should prevent his animals from infringement upon the life, body, freedom, property and tranquility of others.

The owners must provide necessary medical treatment to the animals that are injured or sick.

While entering or leaving public sites or places where the public may enter or exit, a pet should be accompanied by a person over 7 years old and adequate protection measures for them must be arranged.

The owner should microchip the pets and finish pet registration within 4 months after the pets were born.

Animals are not disposable

If you can't keep your pet anymore, you can---

  *find a new home for him or her, or,
  *send him or her to a public or private animal shelter.